Evaluate heart and lungs performance
Procedure
CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TEST BY DR SEN
Procedure at a glance
Expected result:
Treatment time:
45-60 minutes
Anaesthetic:
Not required
Expected downtime:
None
Longevity:
Test-specific guidance
Expected result:
Evaluate heart and lungs performance
Treatment time:
45-60 minutes
Anaesthetic:
Not required
Expected downtime:
None
Longevity:
Test-specific guidance
A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) provides a complete picture of how your heart, lungs and muscles respond to physical activity. Dr Sayan Sen offers this advanced test from his London, Surrey and Berkshire clinics to support accurate cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment.
What is a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test?
A CPET is a dynamic assessment that measures how well your heart and lungs work together during exercise. It evaluates your body’s oxygen use, ventilation and performance limits.
Unlike static tests, CPET provides real-time data while you walk or cycle at gradually increasing intensity. This allows Dr Sen to identify the cause of unexplained symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue. It’s commonly used to assess exercise tolerance, detect early heart or lung disease, and guide fitness levels before surgery or cardiac rehabilitation.
When Might You Need a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test?
A CPET is valuable when symptoms are difficult to pinpoint or when more precise measurements of exercise capacity are required for diagnosis or treatment planning.
- Shortness of breath on exertion: Helps distinguish between cardiac, pulmonary or muscular causes of reduced exercise tolerance.
- Pre-surgical assessment: Assesses cardiopulmonary fitness to reduce risk before major operations.
- Unexplained fatigue: Detects whether symptoms stem from heart, lung or metabolic inefficiency.
- Heart failure evaluation: Monitors disease severity and guides treatment for those with known heart conditions.
What to Expect Following a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test
After your test, Dr Sen will analyse your results alongside your medical history and symptoms to deliver a comprehensive assessment.
You will receive a clear explanation of your cardiovascular and respiratory performance. Depending on your results, Dr Sen may recommend further tests, medical treatment, or lifestyle interventions. With private CPET facilities available across London, Surrey and Berkshire, the test offers rapid, accurate insight into complex symptoms.
FAQs
Is the CPET physically demanding?
The test is adjusted to your ability. You’ll be asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while wearing a mask that measures your breathing. The intensity gradually increases but can be stopped at any point. Dr Sen and his clinical team monitor you throughout to ensure safety and comfort.
How is a CPET different from a standard exercise ECG?
While an exercise ECG focuses only on electrical heart activity during exertion, a CPET gives a fuller picture by analysing your breathing, oxygen use, carbon dioxide output and cardiovascular efficiency. This makes it ideal for investigating symptoms like breathlessness that a basic test might not explain.
Will I need to prepare beforehand?
You may be advised to avoid caffeine, large meals and certain medications before your test. Wear comfortable clothes and trainers. Detailed instructions will be provided by Dr Sen, or his team at your chosen clinic ahead of your appointment in London, Surrey or Berkshire. Most people return to normal activities immediately after.
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